JPWO2005031719A1 - Information recording medium, information recording apparatus and method, information recording / reproducing apparatus and method, and computer program - Google Patents

Abstract

An information recording medium (100) is an information recording medium including a plurality of recording layers (116, 126) for recording information by irradiating a laser beam, and at least one of the plurality of recording layers includes: It has a management information area (112, 122) in which ratio information indicating the ratio of optimum recording power for each of a plurality of recording layers when recording information is recorded. For this reason, even an information recording medium having a plurality of recording layers can record information with an appropriate recording power relatively easily.

Description

  The present invention relates to an information recording apparatus and method such as a DVD recorder, an information recording / reproducing apparatus and method, and a computer program for causing a computer to function as such an information recording apparatus or information recording / reproducing apparatus.

  For example, in an information recording / reproducing apparatus that records an information recording medium such as an optical disk, the optimum power in the recording power is obtained by an OPC (Optimum Power Calibration) process according to the type of optical disk, the type of information recording / reproducing apparatus, the recording speed, and the like. Is set. That is, recording power calibration is performed. Thereby, an appropriate recording operation in the optical disc can be realized. For example, when an optical disc is loaded and a write command is input, the light intensity is sequentially switched and data for trial writing is recorded in the OPC area, so-called trial writing processing is executed. Thereafter, the test writing data recorded in this manner is reproduced, and the reproduction result is determined according to a predetermined evaluation criterion, and the optimum power is set. The optimum power can also be set by OPC (so-called running OPC) performed simultaneously with the actual recording operation.

JP-A-9-16964

  On the other hand, in an optical disc or the like, a multi-layer type optical disc having two or more recording layers on one optical disc has been introduced. Such an optical disc having a plurality of recording layers has a technical problem that the optimum power for each recording layer cannot be set unless the above-described OPC is performed on each recording layer. Such a problem also leads to a technical problem that a smooth recording operation cannot be performed at the time of switching the recording layer because the burden required for the OPC process increases during the recording operation.

  The present invention has been made in view of, for example, the conventional problems described above. For example, even an information recording medium having a plurality of recording layers can record information with an appropriate recording power relatively easily. An object is to provide an information recording medium, an information recording apparatus and method, an information recording / reproducing apparatus and method, and a computer program that causes a computer to function as such an information recording apparatus.

(Information recording medium)
In order to solve the above problems, an information recording medium of the present invention is an information recording medium comprising a plurality of recording layers for recording information by irradiating a laser beam, and is at least one of the plurality of recording layers. One has a management information area in which ratio information indicating a ratio of optimum recording power for each of the plurality of recording layers when the information is recorded is recorded.

  According to the information recording medium of the present invention, it is possible to record various types of information including content such as video information and music information or data information for a computer in each of a plurality of recording layers. The plurality of recording layers are formed in a laminated structure on one surface of the substrate, for example.

  In the present invention, in particular, a management information area is provided, and ratio information is recorded in the management information area. The ratio information includes, for example, a ratio of two optimum recording powers in one recording layer and another recording layer among the plurality of recording layers. The “optimal recording power” in the present invention is not limited to literally the most suitable recording power, but has a broad meaning including recording power that can record information more appropriately during recording. is there. More preferably, the optimum recording power derived from the ratio information recorded in the management information area is such that the influence of asymmetry does not affect the recording operation, as described in detail later, or the error rate is zero. Alternatively, it is preferable that the recording power be such that a low state can be realized so as not to affect the recording operation. Such a ratio is included as the ratio of the optimum recording power for each of the plurality of recording layers, that is, to indicate the optimum recording power for each of the plurality of recording layers. In other words, the optimum recording power in each of the plurality of recording layers is indicated by a ratio with the optimum recording power value (or a predetermined value) in any recording layer as a reference value.

  For example, during the recording operation of the information recording apparatus described later, the optimum recording power of each of the plurality of recording layers can be calculated relatively easily by referring to the ratio information recorded in the management information area. it can. For example, if the ratio of the optimum recording power in each recording layer based on the optimum recording power in one recording layer is recorded, the optimum recording power in the one recording layer is calculated. By combining them, the optimum recording power in each of the plurality of recording layers can be calculated relatively easily.

  If the information recording medium does not have such a management information area, it is necessary to calibrate the recording power represented by, for example, OPC in each of the plurality of recording layers, for example, at a time point before information recording. However, according to the present invention, there is no need to perform such calibration, and there is an advantage that the optimum recording power in each of the plurality of recording layers can be calculated relatively easily and efficiently by referring to the ratio information. In addition, when switching the recording layer to be recorded, referring to the ratio information, for example, the recording power of the information recording apparatus can be switched relatively easily to the optimum recording power in the recording layer. Therefore, it is possible to realize information recording with the optimum recording power, and it is possible to improve the recording characteristics.

  As a result, according to the information recording medium of the present invention, the optimum recording power in each of the plurality of recording layers can be calculated relatively easily by referring to the ratio information recorded in the management information area. . Moreover, even if the information recording medium has a plurality of recording layers, information indicating the optimum recording power (ie, ratio information) is recorded in advance in the management information area of the information recording medium. Can be calculated. Therefore, for example, during a recording operation in an information recording apparatus, which will be described later, it is possible to reduce the processing burden required for calculating the recording power, and to improve the efficiency of the recording operation.

  Note that a plurality of management information areas may be provided corresponding to a plurality of recording layers one by one as will be described later, or one management information area may be provided for the entire information recording medium. Alternatively, one may be provided for each of several recording layers among the plurality of recording layers.

  In one aspect of the information recording medium of the present invention, the management information area is provided for each of a plurality of recording layers.

  According to this aspect, if the ratio information is read in each recording layer, the various benefits according to the present invention described above can be enjoyed. Therefore, when the recording layer subject to the recording operation is switched from one layer to another, for example, the optimum recording power can be calculated by reading the management information area provided in the other layer. Become. That is, it is possible to calculate the optimum recording power relatively easily and quickly without moving to the recording layer in which the management information area is provided again.

  In this case, the plurality of management information areas provided for the respective recording layers are configured such that a ratio indicating the optimum recording power in the recording layer in which each management information area is provided is recorded. Alternatively, a plurality of ratios indicating the optimum recording power in each recording layer may be recorded.

  In another aspect of the information recording medium of the present invention, the management information area includes the plurality of recording layers as the ratio information, with the optimum recording power in one of the plurality of recording layers as a reference value. Information indicating the ratio of the optimum recording power for each is recorded.

  According to this aspect, it is possible to indicate, for example, the optimum recording power in the other recording layer as the ratio information on the basis of the optimum recording power in one recording layer. Therefore, if each recording layer has one ratio information, the optimum recording power in one recording layer and the one ratio information can be referred to calculate the optimum recording power in the recording layer. Therefore, the recording capacity as the ratio information can be reduced, and the recording capacity for recording information such as contents in the recording layer can be relatively increased. In addition, by making the reference value one (that is, by setting the optimum recording power in one recording layer as the reference value), it is possible to easily configure the ratio indicated by the ratio information.

  In another aspect of the information recording medium of the present invention, in the management information area, in addition to or instead of the ratio information, the difference in the optimum recording power for each of the plurality of recording layers when the information is recorded. The difference information shown is recorded.

  According to this aspect, the optimum recording power in a plurality of recording layers can be set to, for example, OPC by referring to difference information that is the difference between the optimum recording power of one recording layer and the optimum recording power of another recording layer. It is possible to calculate relatively easily without performing the above.

  Another aspect of the information recording medium of the present invention is the absolute value of the optimum recording power for each of the plurality of recording layers when the information is recorded in the management information area instead of or in addition to the ratio information. Is recorded in advance.

  According to this aspect, for example, by referring to power information that is the value of the optimum recording power of each recording layer, the optimum recording power in a plurality of recording layers can be calculated relatively easily without performing OPC or the like, for example. (Or acquisition). In particular, since the optimum recording power itself is recorded, it is possible to easily calculate (or obtain) the optimum recording power without performing any special calculation.

  In another aspect of the information recording medium of the present invention, the ratio information corresponding to a state relating to each of the plurality of recording layers is recorded in the management information area.

  According to this aspect, the optimum recording power according to the state of the recording layer (for example, whether a predetermined area of the recording layer is recorded or unrecorded, a change in recording characteristics due to a temperature change in the area, etc.) Ratio information indicating the ratio is recorded. Therefore, according to the state, for example, an information recording apparatus described later can be used to appropriately record information.

  Even in the case of an information recording medium in which difference information and power information are recorded, it is preferable that difference information and power information corresponding to the state are recorded as in the ratio information.

  In another aspect of the information recording medium of the present invention, the ratio information corresponding to the recording position associated with each of the plurality of recording layers is recorded in the management information area.

  According to this aspect, the optimum recording according to the recording position (for example, when the information recording medium has a disk shape, the difference between the outer peripheral side and the inner peripheral side). Ratio information indicating the power ratio is recorded. Therefore, according to the recording position, for example, it is possible to appropriately record information by using an information recording apparatus described later.

  Even in the case of an information recording medium in which difference information and power information are recorded, it is preferable that difference information and power information corresponding to the recording position are recorded as in the ratio information.

(Information recording device)
In order to solve the above problems, a first information recording apparatus of the present invention is an information recording apparatus for recording the information on an information recording medium having a plurality of recording layers for recording information. Storage means for storing ratio information indicating a ratio of optimum recording power for each of the plurality of recording layers at the time of recording, and recording power corresponding to the ratio information stored in the storage means, Recording means for recording the information in at least one of them.

  According to the first information recording apparatus of the present invention, as with the information recording medium of the present invention described above, the optimum recording power of each recording layer is calculated for an information recording medium having a plurality of recording layers relatively easily. It becomes possible to do.

  Specifically, the storage means including, for example, a semiconductor memory such as a ROM or a RAM, or a removable recording medium such as a memory stick or an IC card, shows an optimum recording power ratio for each recording layer. Ratio information is stored. For example, a recording unit including an optical pickup records information with a more appropriate recording power (that is, optimum recording power) by referring to the ratio information stored in the storage unit. Specifically, information is recorded with an optimum recording power corresponding to a recording layer to be recorded among a plurality of recording layers.

  More specifically, for example, if a recording power typified by OPC or the like is performed in one recording layer, when recording to another recording layer, the calibration operation is performed by referring to the ratio information. From the calculated optimum recording power in one recording layer, the optimum recording power in each of the plurality of recording layers can be calculated. That is, for example, information can be recorded on each recording layer with an optimum recording power without performing a recording power calibration operation represented by OPC again. In addition, the recording characteristics can be improved, and the error rate at the time of reproducing information can be reduced.

  As a result, according to the first information recording apparatus of the present invention, the optimum recording power in each of the plurality of recording layers is relatively easily calculated by referring to the ratio information recorded in the management information area. be able to. Therefore, during the recording operation, the processing load required for calculating the recording power can be reduced, and the efficiency of the recording operation can be improved.

  The ratio information stored in the storage means may be stored in advance by the manufacturer of the first information recording apparatus at the time of manufacture, for example, or may be a recording medium such as a CD-ROM (or the like) , Removable recording medium) or the like, or via a wired or wireless network. In particular, if the ratio information is configured to be distributed later, there is an advantage that it is possible to flexibly cope with, for example, a change in an information recording medium that is a target of a recording operation.

  In one aspect of the first information recording apparatus of the present invention, the storage means stores the ratio information corresponding to a type of the information recording medium, identifies the type of the information recording medium, and The apparatus further comprises first selection means for selecting corresponding ratio information from the ratio information stored in the storage means, and the recording means has a recording power corresponding to the ratio information selected by the first selection means. , Record the information.

  In general, for example, an information recording medium such as an optical disc has an optimum recording power that differs depending on the type (for example, a difference between manufacturers or a difference in manufacturing conditions). Therefore, according to this aspect, it is possible to appropriately calculate the optimum recording power that differs depending on the type of the information recording medium, based on the identification information.

  According to another aspect of the first information recording apparatus of the present invention, the storage means includes the plurality of the plurality of recording layers, the optimum recording power of one of the plurality of recording layers as a reference value. Information indicating the ratio of the optimum recording power for each recording layer is recorded.

  According to this aspect, it is possible to indicate the optimum recording power in each of the plurality of recording layers as the ratio information on the basis of the optimum recording power in one recording layer. Accordingly, if each recording layer has one ratio, the optimum recording power in the recording layer can be calculated with reference to the optimum recording power in the one recording layer and the one ratio. Therefore, the recording capacity as the ratio information can be reduced, and a storage unit having a relatively small recording capacity can be used. In addition, by making the reference value one (that is, by setting the optimum recording power in one recording layer as the reference value), it is possible to easily configure the ratio indicated by the ratio information.

  In another aspect of the first information recording apparatus of the present invention, at least one of the plurality of recording layers has a management information area in which the ratio information is recorded. Read means for reading information is further provided, and the storage means stores the read ratio information.

  According to this aspect, the ratio information recorded on the information recording medium can be stored in the storage unit by the operation of the reading unit. Then, using the stored ratio information, the optimum recording power in each of the plurality of recording layers can be calculated relatively easily as described above. In particular, it is not necessary to sequentially read the ratio information from an information recording medium such as a CD-ROM or DVD-ROM, which has a relatively low reading speed, and the ratio information is read from a storage means such as a RAM having a relatively high reading speed. Can be used. Therefore, the processing when the recording means calculates the recording power can be performed at a higher speed. This has a great advantage that the recording speed is increased.

  In the aspect of the information recording apparatus including the reading unit as described above, the storage unit further includes a determination unit that determines whether or not the ratio information is stored, and the storage unit stores the ratio. If it is determined that the ratio information is not, the ratio information read from the management information area may be stored.

  According to this configuration, if the ratio information is stored in the storage means, the recording power of the recording means is determined using the stored ratio information. On the other hand, if the ratio information is not stored in the storage means, the ratio information read from the information recording medium by the reading means is stored in the storage means, and the recording power of the recording means is determined using the stored ratio information. Therefore, the ratio information is read from the information recording medium having a relatively low reading speed when necessary, and the ratio information is read from the storage means having the relatively high reading speed in the other cases. Can be improved.

  According to another aspect of the first information recording apparatus of the present invention, a determination unit that determines whether or not the ratio information is stored in the storage unit, and when it is determined that the ratio is not stored, Calibration means is further provided for obtaining the ratio by calibrating recording power in at least one of the plurality of recording layers, and storing the obtained ratio in the storage means as the ratio information.

According to this aspect, it is possible to calculate the optimum recording power even if the storage means does not have ratio information for calculating the optimum recording power of the recording layer to be recorded. More specifically, for example, if the determination unit determines that the ratio information is not stored, the calibration unit performs calibration such as OPC on the information recording medium to be recorded, and has been described above. Calculate the ratio. For example, the ratio for each recording layer may be obtained by performing calibration for each of the plurality of recording layers in advance before recording information. The recording unit can calculate the optimum recording power as described above using the calculated ratio (that is, ratio information). In addition to recording the ratio obtained by the calibration means as will be described later, the above-mentioned ratio is obtained by calibrating the information recording medium to be actually recorded. It is possible to calculate the optimum recording power in accordance with the conditions and perform an appropriate recording operation.

  In the aspect of the information recording apparatus including the calibration unit as described above, the calibration unit may be configured to record the ratio information on at least one of the information recording medium and the storage unit.

  With this configuration, the ratio information obtained by the calibration means can be used for calculating the optimum recording power during the subsequent recording operation. Therefore, for example, a more efficient recording operation can be performed while avoiding the inconvenience of performing duplicate calibration in the same recording layer.

  In addition, when recording such ratio information, it is preferable to record in correspondence with the identification information so as to correspond to the type of the information recording medium that has been calibrated.

  In another aspect of the first information recording apparatus of the present invention, in the storage means, instead of or in addition to the ratio, a difference in optimum recording power for each of the plurality of recording layers when the information is recorded is stored. At least one of the difference information shown and the power information showing the absolute value of the optimum recording power for each of the plurality of recording layers when the information is recorded is stored.

  According to this aspect, for example, by referring to difference information that is the difference between the optimum recording power of one layer and the optimum recording power of another layer, the optimum recording power in a plurality of recording layers, for example, OPC or the like can be obtained. It is possible to calculate relatively easily without performing this. Further, for example, by referring to power information that is the value of the optimum recording power of each recording layer, the optimum recording power in a plurality of recording layers can be calculated relatively easily without performing, for example, OPC or the like. It becomes possible. In particular, since the optimum recording power itself is recorded, it is possible to easily calculate (or obtain) the optimum recording power without performing any special calculation.

  A second information recording apparatus of the present invention is an information recording apparatus for recording information on the above-described information recording medium of the present invention (including various aspects thereof) in order to solve the above problems, Read means for reading the ratio information recorded in the information area, and recording means for recording the information on at least one of the plurality of recording layers with a recording power corresponding to the read ratio information.

  According to the second information recording apparatus of the present invention, as with the information recording apparatus related to the first information recording apparatus described above, the recording means is set at an appropriate recording power with reference to the ratio information (for example, optimal It is possible to operate with recording power. Therefore, it is possible to receive various benefits of the above-described information recording apparatus according to the present invention.

  In particular, the second information recording apparatus has the first information recording apparatus by referring to the ratio information recorded on the information recording medium, even if the storage means is not provided as in the first information recording apparatus. It is possible to enjoy various benefits.

  Incidentally, in response to the various aspects of the information recording medium of the present invention described above, the second information recording apparatus of the present invention may also be configured to adopt various aspects.

  One aspect of the second information recording apparatus of the present invention is a storage means for storing ratio information indicating a ratio of optimum recording power for each of the plurality of recording layers when the information is recorded, and is stored in the storage means. Second selection means for selecting one of the ratio information recorded and the ratio information recorded in the management information area, and the reading means reads the ratio information selected by the second selection means.

  According to this aspect, it is possible to adjust the recording power of the recording means using the ratio information recorded in the storage means described in the first information recording apparatus of the present invention.

  Incidentally, in response to the various aspects of the first information recording apparatus of the present invention described above, this aspect may also be configured to adopt various aspects.

(Information recording method)
A first information recording method of the present invention is an information recording method in an information recording apparatus for recording the information on an information recording medium having a plurality of recording layers for recording information, in order to solve the above-described problem. The information recording apparatus includes storage means for storing ratio information indicating a ratio of optimum recording power for each of the plurality of recording layers when recording the information, and reads the stored ratio information. A reading step and a recording step of recording the information in at least one of the plurality of recording layers with a recording power corresponding to the read ratio information.

  According to the first information recording method of the present invention, the ratio information stored in the storage means is read in the reading step in the same manner as the first information recording apparatus of the present invention described above. The information can be recorded in the recording process with the recording power corresponding to the ratio information read in the reading process. Therefore, various benefits of the above-described first information recording apparatus of the present invention can be enjoyed.

  Incidentally, in response to the various aspects of the first information recording apparatus of the present invention described above, the first information recording method according to the present invention can also adopt various aspects.

  A second information recording method of the present invention is an information recording method for recording information on the above-described information recording medium of the present invention (including various aspects thereof) in order to solve the above-mentioned problem, A reading step of reading the ratio information recorded in the information area; and a recording step of recording the information in at least one of the plurality of recording layers with a recording power corresponding to the read ratio information.

  According to the second information recording method of the present invention, the ratio information recorded in the management information area of the information recording medium is read in the reading step, as in the second information recording apparatus of the present invention described above. The information can be recorded in the recording process with the recording power corresponding to the ratio information read in the reading process. Therefore, the various benefits of the second information recording apparatus of the present invention described above can be enjoyed.

  Incidentally, in response to the various aspects of the second information recording apparatus of the present invention described above, the second information recording method of the present invention can also adopt various aspects.

(Information recording / reproducing device)
In order to solve the above-described problem, an information recording / reproducing apparatus of the present invention records the above-mentioned information from the first or second information recording apparatus of the present invention (including various aspects thereof) and the information recording medium. Reproducing means for reproducing the received information.

  According to the information recording / reproducing apparatus of the present invention, it is possible to enjoy various benefits of the first or second information recording apparatus of the present invention described above, and for example, an optical pickup, an RF detector, a push-pull detector, and the like. It is possible to reproduce information using a reproducing means comprising

  Incidentally, in response to the various aspects of the first or second information recording apparatus of the present invention described above, the information recording / reproducing apparatus according to the present invention can also adopt various aspects.

  In order to solve the above-described problems, the information recording / reproducing method of the present invention includes the above-described first or second information recording method of the present invention (specifically, each step thereof) and the recording from the information recording medium. A reproduction process for reproducing the recorded information.

  According to the information recording / reproducing method of the present invention, it is possible to receive the various benefits of the first or second information recording method of the present invention described above, and for example, an optical pickup, an RF detector, a push-pull detector, etc. Information can be reproduced in the reproduction process by the above operation.

  Incidentally, in response to the various aspects of the first or second information recording method of the present invention described above, the information recording / reproducing method of the present invention can also adopt various aspects.

(Computer program)
In order to solve the above problems, a first computer program according to the present invention causes a computer to function as the above-described first information recording apparatus (including various forms thereof). More specifically, the computer is caused to function as at least a part of recording means in the first information recording apparatus described above.

  According to the first computer program of the present invention, the computer program is read from a recording medium such as a ROM, a CD-ROM, a DVD-ROM, and a hard disk that stores the computer program, and is executed. If the computer program is downloaded to a computer via communication means and then executed, the above-described first information recording apparatus of the present invention can be realized relatively easily.

  Incidentally, in response to the various aspects of the first information recording apparatus of the present invention described above, the first computer program of the present invention can also adopt various aspects.

  In order to solve the above-described problems, the second computer program according to the present invention causes the computer to function as the above-described second information recording device (including various forms thereof). More specifically, the computer is caused to function as at least part of the reading unit and the recording unit in the second information recording apparatus described above.

  According to the second computer program of the present invention, if the computer program is read from a recording medium such as a ROM, CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, and hard disk storing the computer program and executed by the computer, or If the computer program is downloaded to a computer via communication means and then executed, the above-described second information recording apparatus of the present invention can be realized relatively easily.

  Incidentally, in response to the various aspects of the second information recording apparatus of the present invention described above, the second computer program of the present invention can also adopt various aspects.

  In order to solve the above problems, a third computer program according to the present invention is for recording / reproduction control for controlling a computer program provided in the above-described information recording / reproducing apparatus (including various forms thereof). A computer program causing the computer to function as at least a part of the information recording device and the reproducing means.

  According to the third computer program of the present invention, if the computer program is read from a recording medium such as a ROM, CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, and hard disk storing the computer program and executed by the computer, or If the computer program is downloaded to a computer via communication means and then executed, the above-described information recording / reproducing apparatus of the present invention can be realized relatively easily.

  Incidentally, in response to the various aspects of the information recording / reproducing apparatus of the present invention described above, the third computer program of the present invention can also adopt various aspects.

  In order to solve the above problems, a first computer program product for recording control in a computer-readable medium is provided in the above-described first information recording apparatus (including various aspects thereof) of the present invention. The program instructions executable by the computer are clearly embodied, and the computer is caused to function as at least part of the recording means.

  In order to solve the above problems, a second computer program product for recording control in a computer-readable medium is provided in the above-described second information recording apparatus (including various aspects thereof) of the present invention. A program instruction executable by a computer is clearly embodied, and the computer is caused to function as at least a part of a reading unit and a recording unit.

  In order to solve the above problems, a third computer program product for recording / reproducing control in a computer-readable medium is a computer provided in the above-described information recording / reproducing apparatus of the present invention (including various aspects thereof). The program instructions that can be executed are clearly embodied, and the computer is caused to function as at least part of the information recording apparatus and the reproducing means.

  According to the computer program product for recording control or recording / reproducing control of the present invention, the computer program product is stored in a computer from a recording medium such as a ROM, CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, or hard disk storing the computer program product. If the computer program product, which is a transmission wave, for example, is downloaded to the computer via the communication means, the recording means, the reading means and the reproducing means of the present invention described above are compared. Can be implemented easily. More specifically, the computer program product may comprise computer readable code (or computer readable instructions) that causes a computer to function as at least part of the recording means, the reading means, and the reproducing means. .

  Such an operation and other advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the best mode for carrying out the invention described below.

  As described above, the information recording medium of the present invention includes a plurality of recording layers and a management information area. Therefore, by referring to the ratio information recorded in the management information area, the optimum recording power in each of the plurality of recording layers can be calculated relatively easily. Moreover, even if the information recording medium has a plurality of recording layers, information indicating the optimum recording power (ie, ratio information) is recorded in advance in the management information area of the information recording medium. Can be calculated.

  The first information recording apparatus and method of the present invention comprise a storage means, a reading means and a recording means, or a reading process and a recording process. The second information recording apparatus and method of the present invention includes a reading unit and a recording unit, or a reading step and a recording step. Therefore, by referring to the ratio information, the optimum recording power in each of the plurality of recording layers can be calculated relatively easily. Even in an information recording medium having a plurality of recording layers, the optimum recording power corresponding to each recording layer can be calculated.

1 shows the basic structure of an optical disk as an embodiment of the information recording medium of the present invention, the upper part being a schematic plan view of an optical disk having a plurality of areas, and the lower part associated therewith is the area structure in the radial direction It is a schematic conceptual diagram. It is a data structure figure which shows notionally an example of the data structure of the information recording medium based on a present Example. It is a data structure figure which shows notionally the other example of the data structure of the information recording medium based on a present Example. It is a data structure figure which shows notionally the other example of the data structure of the information recording medium based on a present Example. 1 is a block diagram conceptually showing the basic structure of a first embodiment of the information recording apparatus of the present invention. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the whole recording operation | movement of the information recording device based on 1st Example. It is a block diagram which shows notionally the basic composition of 2nd Example which concerns on the information recording device of this invention. It is a data structure figure which shows the ratio information etc. which the information recording device based on 2nd Example has recorded. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the whole recording operation | movement of the information recording device based on 2nd Example. It is a data structure figure which shows notionally the disc identification information recorded on the optical disc used in the information recording device based on 2nd Example.

Explanation of symbols

1 Information recording apparatus 100 Optical disc 104, 114, 124 Lead-in area 108, 118, 128 Lead-out area 110, 120 OPC area 111, 121 Optimal power recording area 112, 122 Ratio information recording area 113, 123 Difference information recording area 115 Disc Identification information 310 Optical pickup 315 Servo unit 330 Envelope detector 340 OPC pattern generator 400 CPU
401 memory

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

(Example of information recording medium)
First, with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4, an explanation will be given on an embodiment of the information recording medium of the present invention.

  First, an optical disc as an embodiment according to the information recording medium of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. Here, FIG. 1A shows the structure of an optical disc having a plurality of areas on the upper side in a schematic plan view, and shows the area structure in the radial direction in the lower side in association with the conceptual diagram. 1 (b) is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a cross section of an optical disc.

  As shown in FIG. 1A, the optical disc 100 can be recorded by various recording methods such as a magneto-optical method and a phase change method, which can be recorded (written) a plurality of times or only once. Similar to a DVD, on a recording surface on a disk body having a diameter of about 12 cm, a lead-in area 104, a data recording area 106 as a specific example of the “recording layer” of the present invention, from the inner periphery to the outer periphery centering on the center hole In addition, a lead-out area 108 is provided. In each area, for example, a groove track and a land track are alternately provided spirally or concentrically around the center hole 102, and the groove track may be wobbled. Alternatively, prepits may be formed on both tracks.

  In this embodiment, as will be described later, a multi-layer type optical disc in which a plurality of data recording areas 106 and the like are formed in a laminated structure is used (see FIG. 2 and the like). The present invention is not particularly limited to an optical disc having such three areas. For example, even if the lead-in area 104 and the lead-out area 108 do not exist, the file structure described below can be constructed. Further, as will be described later, the lead-in area 104 and the lead-out 108 may be further subdivided (see FIG. 2 and the like).

  As shown in FIG. 1B, the optical disc 100 includes a protective film and a plurality of recording layers stacked on the protective film. When a light beam from an information recording device to be described later is irradiated from the recording layer side, the data is recorded on each recording layer by controlling the focal length and the like, and when functioning as an information reproducing device Play back recorded data. Each of the plurality of recording layers is configured to have a lead-in area 104, a data recording area 106, and a lead-in area 108, as shown in the lower part of FIG.

  Next, with reference to FIGS. 2 to 4, the data structure of the information recording medium according to the present embodiment will be described in more detail. 2 to 4 are data structure diagrams conceptually showing an example of the data structure of the information recording medium according to the present embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 2A, the optical disc 100a has two recording layers (ie, L0 layer and L1 layer). In the L0 layer, a lead-in area 114, a data recording area 116, and a lead-out area 118 are provided. In the lead-in area 114, an OPC area 110, an optimum power recording area 111, and a ratio information recording area 112 are further provided. The L1 layer is provided with a lead-in area 124, a data recording area 126, and a lead-out area 128. In the lead-in area 124, an OPC area 120, an optimum power recording area 121, and a ratio information recording area 122 are further provided.

  The OPC area 110 (120) is an area used for optimum recording laser power detection (ie, recording laser power calibration) processing. In particular, the OPC area 110 is preferably used for detecting the optimum recording laser power of the L0 layer, and the OPC area 120 is preferably used for detecting the optimum recording laser power of the L1 layer. For example, after the test writing of the OPC pattern is completed, the test-written OPC pattern is reproduced, and the reproduced OPC pattern is sequentially sampled to detect the optimum recording laser power. Further, an optimum recording laser power value obtained by OPC may be recorded. The OPC operation will be described in detail later.

  The optimum power recording area 111 (121) is an area where an optimum recording laser power value of the L0 layer or the L1 layer, which is a specific example of “power information” in the present invention, is recorded. As the optimum value of the recording laser power, for example, a value calculated in advance when the optical disc 100a is manufactured may be recorded in advance, or a value calculated when an OPC operation is actually performed as will be described later. It may be recorded.

  Particularly in the optical disc 100a, the optimum power (P) # 0 indicating the value of the optimum recording laser power of the L0 layer is recorded in the optimum power recording area 111, and the optimum recording of the L1 layer is recorded in the optimum power recording area 121. The lowest power (P) # 1 indicating the value of the laser power is recorded.

  In the ratio information recording area 112 (122), ratio information indicating the ratio relating to the optimum recording laser power values of the L0 layer and the L1 layer is recorded. For example, ratio information based on the optimum recording laser power value of the L0 layer may be recorded, or ratio information based on the optimum recording laser power value of the L1 layer may be recorded. .

  For example, in the optical disc 100a, the ratio information # 0 indicating the ratio of the optimum recording laser power in the L0 layer with the optimum P # 0 as a reference is recorded in the ratio information recording area 112, and the ratio information recording area 122 is recorded. Is recorded with ratio information # 1 indicating the ratio of the optimum recording laser power in the L1 layer with reference to the optimum P # 0. For example, if the optimum P # 0 is 7 mw and the optimum P # 1 is 7.7 mw, “1” is recorded in the ratio information recording area 112 as the ratio information # 0, and the ratio information recording area 122 is recorded. “1.1” is recorded as the ratio information # 1.

  The information recording apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment, which will be described later, records in the optimum P # n (n = 0, 1) recorded in the optimum power recording area 111 (121) and the ratio information recording area 112 (122). Referring to the ratio information #m (m = 0, 1), the optimum recording laser power for recording data in each of the L0 layer and the L1 layer is calculated, and the data is recorded on the optical disc 100a. For this reason, it is possible to record data with the optimum recording laser power without calculating the optimum recording laser power by, for example, OPC at the time of recording. Therefore, for example, even when there is no time for calculating the optimum recording laser power by OPC or the like, appropriate data recording can be realized, and the recording operation in the information recording apparatus can be simplified. It has the advantage of leading to improvement.

  Further, in a multilayer type optical disc such as the optical disc 100a, when starting a recording operation on a different layer, it is necessary to calculate an optimum recording laser power by, for example, OPC in the different layer. However, according to this embodiment, even when the recording operation to a different layer is started by referring to the optimum power recording area 111 (121) and the ratio information recording area 112 (122), the different layers The optimum recording laser power can be calculated relatively easily. Therefore, for example, an information recording apparatus described later can be used to simplify the recording operation at the time of layer switching, and as a result, there is an advantage that a more stable recording operation can be realized and the recording speed can be improved. .

  Further, as shown in FIG. 2B, the optical disc 100b in which both optimum P # 0 and # 1 are recorded in the optimum power recording areas 111 and 121 may be used. Both ratio information # 0 and # 1 may be recorded in the ratio information recording areas 112 and 122, respectively.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 2 (c), the same benefits can be enjoyed even in the optical disc 100c in which the optimum power recording area 121 and the ratio information recording area 122 are not provided in the L1 layer. In this case, optimum P # 0 and # 1 are recorded in the optimum power recording area 111 of the L0 layer, and ratio information # 0 and # 1 are recorded in the ratio information recording area 112 of the L0 layer.

  The scope of the present invention is not limited to these data structures, and it is sufficient if ratio information that can calculate the optimum recording laser power of at least the L0 layer and the L1 layer is recorded. Specifically, it is only necessary to record ratio information indicating at least the ratio between the optimum P # 0 and the optimum P # 1. If there is such ratio information, it is possible to calculate the optimum recording laser power in the other layer by calculating the optimum recording power in at least one of the layers by, for example, OPC. That is, although it is necessary to perform OPC or the like, there is an advantage that the number of times can be reduced as compared with a mode in which OPC is performed in both layers.

  Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 3A, similar benefits can be obtained even with an optical disc 100d having difference information instead of ratio information. That is, a difference information recording area 113 (123) may be provided instead of the ratio information recording area 112 (122). The difference information indicates a difference between the optimum recording laser power of the L0 layer (ie, optimum P # 0) and the optimum recording laser power of the L1 layer (ie, optimum P # 1). For example, the difference based on the optimum P # 0 value may be indicated, or the difference based on the optimum P # 1 value may be indicated. For example, when the value of the optimum P # 0 is 7 mw, the value of the optimum P # 1 is 7.7 mw, and the value of the optimum P # 0 is used as a reference, “0 mw” is stored in the difference information recording area 113. “+0.7 mw”, which is the difference between the optimum P # 0 and the optimum P # 1, is recorded as difference information in the difference information recording area 123.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 3B, similar benefits can be obtained even in the optical disc 100e in which the optimum power recording area 121 and the difference information recording area 123 are not provided in the L1 layer. In this case, the optimum P # 0 is recorded in the optimum power recording area 111 of the L0 layer, and difference information indicating the difference between the optimum P # 0 and the optimum P # 1 is recorded in the difference information recording area. .

  Even in the case of an optical disc having the difference information recording area 113 (123), the data structure is not limited to the above example, and the difference information is such that at least the optimum recording laser power of the L0 layer and the L1 layer can be calculated. If is recorded, it is enough. Specifically, if difference information indicating at least the difference between the optimum P # 0 and the optimum P # 1 is recorded, it is necessary to perform OPC or the like, but compared with a mode in which OPC is performed in both layers. , Having the advantage that the number of times can be reduced.

  Further, the optical disc is not limited to the optical disc having two recording layers as described above, and may be an optical disc having three or more layers. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, in an optical disc 101 having three recording layers, for example, optimum P # 0, which is the optimum recording laser power in the L0 layer, is recorded in the optimum power recording area 111 of the L0 layer. In the ratio information recording area 112 (122, 132) of the layers (L0 layer, L1 layer, and L2 layer), the ratio of the optimum recording laser power in each layer based on the optimum P # 0 is the ratio information # 0, # 1. And # 2. Therefore, for example, when the layer to be recorded is switched from the L0 layer to the L1 layer, the optimum recording laser power in the L1 layer can be calculated relatively easily from the optimum P # 0 and the ratio information # 1. . When the layer to be recorded is switched from the L1 layer to the L2 layer, the optimum recording laser power in the L2 layer can be calculated relatively easily from the optimum P # 0 and the ratio information # 2.

  Note that if the optimum recording laser power value (that is, optimum P # 0 and # 1 etc.) is recorded, it is considered that the ratio information # 0 (# 1) need not be recorded. However, it is also conceivable that the optimum recording laser power changes during the recording operation due to, for example, a temperature change of the optical disk or the like. In this case, if the ratio information # 0 (# 1) is included, the optimum recording laser power in a certain recording layer can be obtained even after the optimum recording laser power change due to the temperature change has occurred. If calculated again, the optimum recording laser power after the change in the other recording layer can be calculated using the ratio information. In this respect, it can be said that there is an advantage that ratio information is recorded in addition to the value of the optimum recording laser power.

  In addition, ratio information or the like corresponding to a change in the recording position on the optical disc 100 (that is, a change in a position where an optical pickup 310 described later irradiates the light beam B) may be recorded. For example, the optimum recording laser power may change due to a difference in recording characteristics on the recording surface between the inner circumference side and the outer circumference side of the optical disc 100. Accordingly, the ratio information may also be configured to have both an inner circumference ratio and an outer circumference ratio, for example, corresponding to the change in the optimum recording laser power caused by the change in the recording position.

  In addition, for example, when an optical pickup 310 (to be described later) irradiates the light beam B from the L0 layer side, the L1 layer is irradiated with the light beam B through L0. Therefore, the optimum recording laser power in the L1 layer may change depending on whether the L0 layer has been recorded or not recorded. Accordingly, for example, corresponding to the change in the optimum recording laser power due to the change in the state of the L0 layer, the ratio information also includes, for example, both the ratio when the L0 layer is recorded and the ratio when the L0 layer is unrecorded. You may comprise so that it may have.

  The ratio information may be recorded as pits on the optical disc 100, or may be recorded as wobbles or land pre-pits (LPP).

(First embodiment of information recording apparatus)
Subsequently, with reference to FIG. 5 and FIG. 6, the description will proceed on the first embodiment of the information recording apparatus of the present invention.

(1) Basic Configuration First, the basic configuration of the information recording apparatus according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a block diagram conceptually showing the basic structure of the information recording apparatus in the first example.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the information recording apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment includes a spindle motor 301, an optical pickup 310, a head amplifier 311, an RF detector 312, a servo circuit 315, an LD driver 320, a wobble detector 325, an envelope. A detector 330, an OPC pattern generator 340, a timing generator 345, a data collector 350, a buffer 360, a DVD modulator 370, a data ECC generator 380, an interface 390, and a CPU 400 are provided.

  The spindle motor 301 is configured to rotate the optical disc 100 at a predetermined speed while receiving spindle servo from the servo circuit 315 or the like.

  The optical pickup 310 performs recording or reproduction on the optical disc 100, and includes a semiconductor laser device, various lenses, an actuator, and the like. More specifically, the optical pickup 310 irradiates the optical disk 100 with a light beam such as a laser beam at a first power as a read light during reproduction, and modulates with a second power as a write light at the time of recording. Irradiate. The optical pickup 310 is configured to be movable in the radial direction of the optical disc 100 by an actuator (not shown), a slider, etc. driven by a servo circuit 315.

  The head amplifier 311 amplifies the output signal of the optical pickup 310 (that is, the reflected light of the light beam B), and outputs the amplified signal. Specifically, an RF signal as a read signal is output to the RF detector 312 and the envelope detector 330, and a push-pull signal is output to the wobble detector 325.

  The RF detector 312 is configured to be able to output to the outside via an interface by detecting an RF signal and performing demodulation or the like.

  The servo circuit 315 moves the objective lens of the optical pickup 310 based on the tracking error signal, the focus error signal, and the like obtained by processing the light reception result of the optical pickup 310, thereby various servos such as tracking control and focus control. Execute the process. The spindle motor 301 is servo-controlled based on the wobble signal obtained from the wobble of the wobbled groove track on the optical disc 100.

  In the OPC process, the LD driver 320 drives a semiconductor laser provided in the optical pickup 310 so that an optimum recording laser power can be determined by an OPC pattern recording and reproducing process described later. Thereafter, the LD driver 320 is configured to drive the semiconductor laser of the optical pickup 310 with the optimum recording laser power determined by the above-described OPC process at the time of data recording. During this data recording, the optimum recording laser power is modulated according to the recording data.

  The above-described spindle motor 301, optical pickup 310, servo circuit 315, LD driver 320, and the like constitute a specific example of “recording means” according to the present invention.

  The wobble detector 325 detects a push-pull signal indicating a wobble signal based on an output signal corresponding to the amount of light received from the head amplifier 311 that is a detector that receives the reflected light beam provided in the optical pickup 310. It is configured to output to the timing generator 345.

  The wobble detector 325 detects an LPP signal that is a detection signal by an LPP (land pre-pit) formed in advance on the optical disc 100, and records preformat address information or ratio information by LPP as described later, for example. In such a case, the ratio information may be detected.

  The envelope detector 330 is configured to determine the optimum recording laser power under the control of the CPU 400 during the reproduction of the OPC pattern in the OPC process, and the peak value and the bottom value of the envelope detection of the RF signal that is the output signal from the head amplifier 311. Is configured to detect. The envelope detector 330 may be configured to include an A / D (Analog / Digital) converter, for example.

  The OPC pattern generator 340 is a specific example of the “calibration means” in the present invention, and at the time of recording the OPC pattern in the OPC process, a signal indicating the OPC pattern is based on the timing signal from the timing generator 345. It is configured to output to the LD driver 320.

  The timing generator 345, from the push-pull signal indicating the wobble signal output from the wobble detector 325 to the timing generator 345 at the time of recording the OPC pattern in the OPC process, pre-format address information indicated by the land pre-pit (for example, , ADIP word) is detected as absolute position information. At the same time, based on the push-pull signal period indicating the wobble signal, a slot unit smaller than the preformat address information management unit (for example, a slot unit corresponding to a natural number multiple of one period of the wobble signal) is used as a reference. The relative position information is detected. Therefore, the timing generator 345 can specify the recording start position regardless of whether the recording start position in the OPC process is started from the management unit of the preformat address information, that is, the boundary of each ADIP word. Thereafter, based on the period of the push-pull signal indicating the wobble signal output from the wobble detector 325, a timing signal for writing the OPC pattern is generated and output. On the other hand, the timing generator 345 can specify the reproduction start position at the time of reproduction of the OPC pattern in the OPC process in the same manner as at the time of recording. Thereafter, the timing generator 345 outputs the wobble signal output from the wobble detector 325. A timing signal for sampling the reproduced OPC pattern is generated and output based on the period of the push-pull signal shown.

  The data collector 350 is mainly a general memory. For example, it is composed of an external RAM or the like. The envelope detected by the envelope detector 330 is stored in the data collector 350, and based on this, the optimum recording laser power detection by the CPU 400, that is, OPC processing is executed.

  The buffer 360 is configured to store the recording data modulated by the DVD modulator 370 and output it to the LD driver 320.

  The DVD modulator 370 is configured to perform DVD modulation on the recording data and output it to the buffer 360. As DVD modulation, for example, EFM (Eight to Fourteen Modulation) modulation may be performed.

  The data ECC generator 380 adds a code for error correction to the recording data input from the interface 390. Specifically, an ECC code is added for each predetermined block unit (for example, ECC cluster unit) and output to the DVD modulator 370.

  The interface 390 accepts input of recording data or the like from an external input device and outputs it to the data ECC generator 380. Further, for example, reproduction data output from the RF detector 312 may be output to an external output device such as a speaker or a display.

  In order to detect the optimum recording laser power, the CPU 400 controls the entire information recording apparatus 1 by instructing each means such as the LD driver 320, the servo circuit 315, etc., that is, by outputting a system command. Normally, software for operating the CPU 400 is stored in an internal or external memory.

(2) Operation Principle Next, with reference to FIG. 6, the recording operation of the information recording apparatus 1 in the first example will be described. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the flow of the entire recording operation of the information recording apparatus in the first example.

  In FIG. 6, when the optical disc 100 is loaded, a seek operation is performed by the optical pickup 310 under the control of the CPU 400, and various management data necessary for recording processing on the optical disc 100 is acquired. Based on the management data, under the control of the CPU 400, for example, data is recorded on the optical disc 100 via the interface 390 in accordance with an instruction from an external input device or the like.

  Particularly in the first embodiment, when the recording layer to be subjected to the recording operation is switched from the L0 layer to the L1 layer after the optical disc 100 is loaded, whether or not there is a time for performing OPC in each recording layer. For example, the determination is made by the CPU 400 (step S101). Such a determination is based on, for example, the time required for the OPC operation, the time required for the recording operation (or the recording speed, etc.), the recording capacity of the buffer 360, etc. You may determine by whether it generate | occur | produces. For example, if a buffer underrun is predicted to occur, it may be determined that there is no time for performing OPC. The buffer underrun indicates a state in which the recording data accumulated in the buffer 360 is lost, and as a result, a write error occurs during the recording operation.

  As a result of this determination, if it is determined that there is time to perform OPC (step S101: Yes), the OPC operation is performed in the L0 layer which is the recording layer that performs the recording operation first, and the optimum recording laser power is calculated (step S102). ).

  Here, the OPC operation will be described more specifically. First, the optical pickup 310 is moved to the OPC area 110 (120) under the control of the CPU 400, and the OPC pattern generator 340, the LD driver 320, and the like are sequentially controlled. Accordingly, the recording laser power (for example, 16 stages different from each other) is switched, and the OPC pattern is recorded in the OPC area 111 (121). As an OPC pattern, for example, a recording pattern in which short pits corresponding to 3T pulses and long pits corresponding to 11T pulses are alternately formed with no-recording sections having the same length can be given as an example. Then, for example, an NRZI (Non Return to Zero Inverted) modulation signal is generated as a signal for recording the OPC pattern.

  The LD driver 320 drives the semiconductor laser in the optical pickup 310 so that the recording laser power is sequentially switched in accordance with the NRZI modulation signal (that is, the OPC pattern signal) from the OPC pattern generator 340.

  At this time, in particular, under the control of the CPU 400, the timing generator 345 detects a slot unit according to the present invention corresponding to a natural number multiple of one cycle of the wobble signal and generates a timing signal. Based on this timing signal, the recording laser power is sequentially switched step by step, and the OPC pattern is recorded in the OPC area 110 (120).

  Further, after completion of the trial writing to the OPC area 110 (120), the OPC pattern that has been trial-written in the OPC area 110 (120) is reproduced under the control of the CPU 400. At this time, in particular, in the same manner as when the OPC pattern is recorded, under the control of the CPU 400, the timing generator 345 detects a slot unit corresponding to a natural number multiple of one period of the wobble signal and generates a timing signal. Is done. Based on this timing signal, the reproduced OPC pattern is sequentially sampled to detect the optimum recording laser power.

  Specifically, the peak value and the bottom value of envelope detection of the RF signal are sampled from the RF signal input to the envelope detector 330 and output to the data collector 350. In particular, the timing signal for sampling the OPC pattern is generated in the timing generator 345 based on the period of the wobble signal from the wobble detector 325. Then, under the control of the CPU 400, these peak value and bottom value are stored in the data collector 350. Then, after such OPC pattern reproduction is performed in one OPC process, for example, in accordance with the number of recorded OPC patterns, the optimum recording laser power is determined. That is, the optimum recording laser power that minimizes the asymmetry obtained from these peak value and bottom value is calculated.

  Thereafter, data is recorded on the L0 layer under the control of the CPU 400 (step 103). Specifically, the optical pickup 310 is moved to a recording area (for example, the data recording area 116 shown in FIG. 2), and the recording laser power (that is, optimum recording) previously calibrated by the control of the LD driver 320 or the like. With the laser power), the laser light is modulated according to the recording data, so that the recording data is recorded in the recording area. That is, a recording pit corresponding to the recording data is formed on the track.

  Subsequently, the OPC operation is performed in the L1 layer, and the optimum recording laser power in the L1 layer is calculated in the same manner as the OPC operation in the L0 layer described above (step S104). This operation is performed, for example, when the recording operation in the L0 layer is completed (that is, when data is recorded in the entire area of the data recording area 116), or based on an instruction from the CPU 400 or the user of the information recording apparatus 1 It may be performed when switching to the L1 layer. Thereafter, data is recorded on the L1 layer under the control of the CPU 400 (step S105).

  On the other hand, as a result of the determination in step S101, if it is determined that there is no time for performing OPC (step S101: No), the OPC is first performed in the L0 layer, and the optimum recording laser power in the L0 layer is calculated (step S106). . However, the operation in step S106 (or step S102) may not be performed if the optimum P # 0 is recorded in advance in the optimum power recording area 111 (121) of the optical disc 100.

  Then, data is recorded on the L0 layer with the optimum recording laser power calculated in step S106 (step S107).

  Subsequently, the optimum recording laser power in the L1 layer is calculated (step S108). Also in this operation, as in step S104 described above, for example, when the recording operation in the L0 layer is completed (that is, when data is recorded in the entire area of the data recording area 116), or the CPU 400 or the information recording apparatus 1 This may be performed when the recording layer is switched to the L1 layer based on the user instruction.

  More specifically, the optimum recording laser power in the L1 layer is calculated from the optimum recording laser power in the L0 layer calculated in step S106 and the ratio information recorded in the ratio information recording area 112 (122). For example, the optimum recording laser power in the L0 layer calculated in step S106 is “7.0 mw”, and the ratio information # indicating the ratio of the optimum recording laser power in the L1 layer based on the optimum recording laser power in the L0 layer If 1 indicates “1.1”, the optimum recording laser power in the L1 layer is 7.0 mw × 1.1 = 7.7 mw.

  If the ratio information # 0 (# 1) is not recorded here, the information recording apparatus 1 needs to calculate the optimum recording laser power by performing the OPC operation using the OPC area 120 in the L1 layer. There is. That is, a large processing load (for example, CPU occupation rate and processing time) is required for calculating the optimum recording laser power. However, the information recording apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment has the great advantage that the optimum recording laser power can be calculated relatively easily by referring to the ratio information # 0 (# 1).

  If the ratio information is recorded by pits, for example, the ratio information may be read from a signal detected from the optical pickup 310 as a specific example of the “reading unit” in the present invention. Alternatively, if the ratio information is recorded by LPP, for example, the ratio information may be read from the LPP signal detected by the wobble detector 325 as one specific example of the “reading unit” in the present invention. .

  If the difference information shown in FIG. 3 is recorded, the optimum recording laser power in the L1 layer may be calculated from the difference information. Further, as shown in FIG. 2, if both the optimum P # 0 and # 1 are recorded on the optical disc, the optimum P # 0 or # 1 may be read as the optimum recording laser power. .

  Under the control of the CPU 400, data is recorded on the L1 layer with the optimum recording laser power calculated in step S108 (step S109).

  As a result, according to the information recording apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment, for example, ratio information recorded in the ratio information recording area 112 (122) or the like (that is, ratio information, optimum recording laser power or difference information). As a result, the optimum recording laser power in each of the plurality of recording layers can be calculated relatively easily. In addition, by recording information indicating the optimum recording laser power (that is, ratio information, difference information, optimum P, etc.) on the optical disc 100 or the like in advance, each of the optical discs having a plurality of recording layers can be used. The optimum recording laser power corresponding to the recording layer can be calculated relatively easily. Therefore, the processing load required for calculating the recording power can be reduced, and the efficiency of the recording operation can be improved.

  Note that, even if it is determined that there is time to perform OPC as a result of the determination in step S101, the operation from step S106 to step S109 may be performed. Thereby, it is possible to reduce the processing load for performing the OPC in the information recording apparatus 1, and it is possible to realize a more efficient recording operation.

  In the recording operation in FIG. 6, the recording to the L1 layer is performed after the recording to the L0 layer. However, the recording to the L0 layer may be performed after the recording to the L1 layer, or to the L0 layer. And recording on the L1 layer may be appropriately switched. At that time, the order of the flowchart shown in FIG. 6 is appropriately changed.

  Further, if the information recording apparatus 1 includes the memory 401 as in the information recording apparatus 2 according to the second embodiment described later, the ratio information and the like are read from the optical disc 100 and recorded in the memory 401. May be. Thereafter, the ratio information may be read from the memory 401.

  The information recording apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment described with reference to FIG. 5 also serves as an embodiment of the information recording / reproducing apparatus. That is, the recorded information can be reproduced via the head amplifier 311 and the RF detector 312, and this embodiment includes the function of the information reproducing apparatus or the function of the information recording / reproducing apparatus.

(Second embodiment of information recording apparatus)
Next, with reference to FIGS. 7 to 10, the description will proceed to the second embodiment according to the information recording apparatus of the present invention. The information recording apparatus 2 according to the second embodiment adopts a mode in which the information recording apparatus 2 itself records the above-described ratio information # 0 (# 1), optimum P # 0 (# 1), and the like. Note that the same reference numerals and step numbers are assigned to the same components as those of the information recording apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment described above, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

(1) Basic Configuration First, the basic configuration of the information recording apparatus according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 7 and FIG. FIG. 7 is a block diagram conceptually showing the basic structure of the information recording apparatus in the second example. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing ratio information recorded in the information recording apparatus in the second example. It is a data structure figure which shows an example notionally.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the information recording apparatus 2 according to the second embodiment includes a spindle motor 301, an optical pickup 310, a head amplifier 311, an RF detector 312, a servo circuit 315, an LD driver 320, a wobble detector 325, an envelope. It comprises a detector 330, an OPC pattern generator 340, a timing generator 345, a data collector 350, a buffer 360, a DVD modulator 370, a data ECC generator 380, an interface 390, a CPU 400, and a memory 401.

  In particular, the second embodiment includes a memory 401 as a specific example of the “storage means” in the present invention. The memory 401 includes a semiconductor memory such as a ROM, a RAM, and a flash memory, for example, and the above-described ratio information (or difference information, optimum recording laser power, etc.) is recorded.

  More specifically, for example, as shown in FIG. 8, ratio information unique to each optical disc manufacturer is recorded. Note that the ratio information shown in FIG. 8 uses the optimum recording laser power in the L0 layer as a reference value. Therefore, the ratio information in the L0 layer is “1.0” regardless of the optical disc in any manufacturer. On the other hand, the optimum recording laser power in the L1 layer is 1.1 times the optimum recording laser power in the L0 layer in the case of an optical disk manufactured by Company A, for example. Further, the optimum recording laser power in the L1 layer for the optical disc manufactured by Company B is 1.15 times the optimum recording laser power in the L0 layer. In addition, the optimum recording laser power in the L1 layer for the optical disk manufactured by Company K is 1.4 times the optimum recording laser power in the L0 layer.

  Of course, the ratio information may be recorded with the value of the optimum recording laser power (that is, optimum P # 0 or the like), or difference information may be recorded. Furthermore, ratio information corresponding to a change in recording position may be used, or ratio information corresponding to a change in state of the L0 layer (or L1 layer) may be used. The number of manufacturers can be changed as appropriate, and is not limited to FIG.

  Then, as will be described later, the information recording apparatus 2 uses the ratio information recorded in the memory 401 based on the type of the optical disk loaded during the recording operation (for example, the type of the manufacturer) under the control of the CPU 400. Read ratio information etc. suitable for optical disc manufacturer. Based on the ratio information read from the memory 401, the optimum recording laser power is calculated. This operation will be described later in detail (see FIGS. 9 and 10).

  Of course, when recording on the optical disc on which the ratio information (or difference information) is recorded as in the information recording medium according to the above-described embodiment, the recording is performed on the optical disc rather than the ratio information recorded on the memory 401. The optimum recording laser power may be calculated by preferentially applying the ratio information and the like. One or priority, for example may be selectably configured by the user of the information recording apparatus 2, it may be set to favor either advance.

(2) Operation Principle Next, with reference to FIG. 9 and FIG. 10, the basic configuration of the information recording apparatus in the second example will be explained. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the flow of the entire recording operation of the information recording apparatus according to the second embodiment, and FIG. 10 is a data structure diagram showing disc identification information recorded on the optical disc.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the information recording apparatus 2 is similar to the operation described in FIG. 6 when the recording layer to be subjected to the recording operation is switched from the L0 layer to the L1 layer after the optical disc 100 is loaded. For example, the CPU 400 determines whether or not there is time to perform OPC in each recording layer (step S101).

  As a result of this determination, if it is determined that there is time to perform OPC (step S101: Yes), operations similar to those in steps S102 to S105 in FIG. 5 are performed, and data is recorded in the L0 layer and the L1 layer. Is done.

  On the other hand, if the result of determination in step S101 is that there is no time to perform OPC (step S101: No), then under the control of the CPU 400, which is a specific example of “second selection means” in the present invention, It is determined whether ratio information or the like is recorded on the optical disc 100 or the like (step S201). For example, under the control of the CPU 400, the lead-in area 114 (124) is sought, and whether ratio information is recorded in the ratio information recording area 112 (122), and in the optimum power recording area 111 (121). The determination may be made based on whether or not optimum P # 0 (# 1) is recorded, whether or not difference information is recorded in the difference information recording area 113 (123), and the like.

  As a result of this determination, when it is determined that the ratio information or the like is recorded on the optical disc 100 or the like (step S201: Yes), the same operation as the operation from step S106 to step S109 in FIG. Data is recorded in the layer and the L1 layer. As described above, when it is determined that the ratio information is recorded on the optical disc 100, the ratio information or the like may be recorded in the memory 401.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the ratio information or the like is not recorded on the optical disc 100 or the like (step S201: No), whether or not the information recording device 2 has the ratio information or the like is determined in the present invention, for example. The determination is made by the CPU 400, which is a specific example of “determination means” (step S202). Here, for example, it may be determined by seeking whether or not ratio information, optimum recording laser power, or difference information is recorded in the memory 401.

  As a result of this determination, when it is determined that the information recording apparatus 2 has ratio information or the like (step S202: Yes), the same operations as those in step S106 to step S109 are performed, and the L0 layer and the L1 layer Data recording is performed. In particular, at the time of calculating the optimum recording laser power of the L1 layer in step S108, the optimum recording laser power is calculated with reference to the ratio information and the like recorded in the memory 401.

  At this time, if the ratio information of a plurality of manufacturers is recorded in the memory 401 as shown in FIG. 8, the disc identification information 115 as shown in FIG. It is preferable to refer to the appropriate ratio information. As shown in FIG. 10, the disc identification information 115 is recorded, for example, in the lead-in area 114, and indicates which manufacturer the respective optical discs are manufactured by. For example, in the case of an optical disc manufactured by company A, the disc identification information 115 includes information indicating that the optical disc is manufactured by company A. Then, the disc identification information 115 is read by, for example, the CPU 400 as one specific example of the “first selection unit” of the present invention, and appropriate ratio information is selected from the memory 401.

  Further, not limited to different manufacturers, for example, a plurality of pieces of ratio information may be provided corresponding to differences in manufacturing conditions, product numbers of optical disks, and the like.

  In FIG. 9 again, when it is determined that the information recording apparatus 2 does not have the ratio information or the like (step S202: No), the optimum recording laser power in the L0 layer is calculated by performing the OPC operation in the L0 layer. (Step S102) Subsequently, an optimum recording laser power in the L1 layer is calculated by performing an OPC operation in the L1 layer (Step S103).

  Subsequently, the ratio (that is, ratio information) of the optimum recording laser power in each layer calculated in steps S102 and S103 is calculated (step S203). For example, ratio information based on the optimum recording laser power in the L0 layer may be calculated, or ratio information based on the optimum recording laser power in the L1 layer may be calculated. In addition, the difference information may be calculated.

  In this case, the calculated ratio information is preferably recorded in the memory 401. As a result, when the ratio information is required later, the ratio information can be referred to as appropriate. For example, the recording may be performed on the optical disc 100 without being recorded in the memory 401. Further, the difference information and the optimum recording laser power may be recorded.

  Thereafter, operations similar to those in steps S107 to S109 are performed, and data is recorded in the L0 layer and the L1 layer. In particular, during the calculation operation of the optimum recording laser power of the L1 layer in step S108, the optimum recording laser power is calculated with reference to the ratio information calculated in step S203.

  As a result, according to the information recording apparatus in the second embodiment, the optimum recording laser power in each of the plurality of recording layers can be relatively easily obtained by referring to, for example, the ratio information recorded in the memory 401. Can be calculated. In particular, even if information indicating the optimum recording laser power (that is, ratio information, difference information, optimum P or the like) is not recorded on the optical disc 100 or the like, the information recording apparatus 2 itself has the ratio information or the like. The optimum recording laser power can be calculated. Therefore, in addition to the advantages of the information recording apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment, even an optical disc that does not have the ratio information recording area 112 (122) or the like (so-called conventionally popular optical disc) can be recorded. The processing load required for calculating the power can be reduced, and the recording operation can be made more efficient.

  The operation described in FIG. 9 is configured such that if ratio information or the like is recorded on the optical disc 100, the ratio information is preferentially used. Of course, the ratio information recorded in the memory 401 is used. Etc. may be used preferentially. Further, as described above, whether the ratio information or the like recorded is used regardless of whether the ratio information or the like is recorded on the optical disk or the ratio information or the like is stored in the memory. You may select by operation | movement of CPU400 which is a specific example of a "2nd selection means."

  The memory 401 may be configured to record ratio information or the like in advance at the time of manufacture, for example, by the manufacturer of the information recording apparatus 2, or an optical disc such as a CD-ROM or DVD-ROM. Further, it may be configured to appropriately record using a removable medium such as an IC card, a memory stick, or an SD card. Alternatively, the recording may be appropriately performed via a wired or wireless network.

  Further, in the above-described embodiments, the optical disc 100 as an example of the information recording medium and the recorder related to the optical disc 100 as an example of the information recording apparatus have been described. However, the present invention is not limited to the optical disc and the recorder. The present invention can also be applied to various information recording media compatible with high-density recording or high transfer rates and recorders thereof.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and can be appropriately changed without departing from the gist or concept of the invention that can be read from the claims and the entire specification, and information recording accompanying such changes is possible. A medium, an information recording apparatus and method, and a computer program for recording control are also included in the technical scope of the present invention.

An information recording apparatus and method, an information recording / reproducing apparatus and method, and a computer program according to the present invention include an information recording apparatus and method such as a DVD recorder, an information recording / reproducing apparatus and method, and a computer. The present invention can be used for a computer program that functions as a recording / reproducing apparatus.

Claims (23)

An information recording medium comprising a plurality of recording layers for recording information by irradiating laser light,
At least one of the plurality of recording layers has a management information area in which ratio information indicating a ratio of optimum recording power for each of the plurality of recording layers when the information is recorded is recorded. Medium.   The information recording medium according to claim 1, wherein the management information area is provided for each of the plurality of recording layers.   In the management information area, as the ratio information, information indicating a ratio of the optimum recording power for each of the plurality of recording layers with the optimum recording power in one of the plurality of recording layers as a reference value. The information recording medium according to claim 1, wherein the information recording medium is recorded.   The difference information indicating a difference in the optimum recording power for each of the plurality of recording layers is recorded in the management information area in addition to or instead of the ratio information. The information recording medium described in 1.   2. The information recording medium according to claim 1, wherein the ratio information corresponding to a state relating to each of the plurality of recording layers is recorded in the management information area.   2. The information recording medium according to claim 1, wherein the ratio information corresponding to a recording position relating to each of the plurality of recording layers is recorded in the management information area. An information recording apparatus for recording the information on an information recording medium having a plurality of recording layers for recording information,
Storage means for storing ratio information indicating a ratio of optimum recording power for each of the plurality of recording layers when recording the information;
An information recording apparatus comprising: recording means for recording the information in at least one of the plurality of recording layers with a recording power corresponding to the ratio information stored in the storage means. The storage means stores the ratio information corresponding to the type of the information recording medium,
Further comprising first selection means for identifying the type of the information recording medium and selecting corresponding ratio information from the ratio information stored in the storage means;
8. The information recording apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the recording unit records the information at a recording power corresponding to the ratio information selected by the first selection unit.   In the storage means, information indicating the ratio of the optimum recording power for each of the plurality of recording layers is recorded as the ratio information, with the optimum recording power of one of the plurality of recording layers as a reference value. The information recording apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the information recording apparatus is provided. At least one of the plurality of recording layers has a management information area in which the ratio information is recorded,
It further comprises reading means for reading the ratio information from the management information area,
8. The information recording apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the storage means stores the read ratio information. A determination unit for determining whether or not the ratio information is stored in the storage unit;
11. The information recording according to claim 10, wherein the storage means stores the ratio information read from the management information area when it is determined that the ratio is not stored. apparatus. Determination means for determining whether or not the ratio information is stored in the storage means;
When it is determined that the ratio is not stored, the ratio is obtained by calibrating recording power in at least one recording layer of the plurality of recording layers, and the obtained ratio is used as the ratio information. The information recording apparatus according to claim 7, further comprising calibration means for storing in the storage means.   11. The information recording apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the calibration unit records the ratio information on at least one of the information recording medium and the storage unit.   In the storage means, instead of or in addition to the ratio information, difference information indicating a difference in optimum recording power for each of the plurality of recording layers when recording the information, and the plurality of information when recording the information 8. The information recording apparatus according to claim 7, wherein at least one of power information indicating an absolute value of the optimum recording power for each recording layer is stored. An information recording apparatus for recording information on the information recording medium according to claim 1,
Reading means for reading the ratio information recorded in the management information area;
An information recording apparatus comprising: a recording unit configured to record the information on at least one of the plurality of recording layers with a recording power corresponding to the read ratio information. Storage means for storing ratio information indicating a ratio of optimum recording power for each of the plurality of recording layers when recording the information;
Second selection means for selecting either ratio information stored in the storage means or ratio information recorded in the management information area;
16. The information recording apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the reading unit reads the ratio information selected by the second selection unit. An information recording method in an information recording apparatus for recording the information on an information recording medium having a plurality of recording layers for recording information, respectively,
The information recording apparatus includes storage means for storing ratio information indicating a ratio of optimum recording power for each of the plurality of recording layers when recording the information,
A reading step of reading the stored ratio information;
And a recording step of recording the information in at least one of the plurality of recording layers with a recording power corresponding to the read ratio information. An information recording method for recording information on the information recording medium according to claim 1,
A reading step of reading the ratio information recorded in the management information area;
A recording step of recording the information on at least one of the plurality of recording layers with a recording power corresponding to the read ratio information. An information recording apparatus according to claim 7;
An information recording / reproducing apparatus comprising: reproducing means for reproducing the recorded information from the information recording medium. An information recording method according to claim 17,
A reproduction step of reproducing the recorded information from the information recording medium.   A computer program for recording control for controlling a computer provided in the information recording apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the computer functions as the recording means.   A computer program for recording control for controlling a computer program provided in the information recording apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the computer functions as at least one of the reading unit and the recording unit. A computer program characterized by the above. 20. A computer program for recording / reproducing control for controlling a computer program provided in the information recording / reproducing apparatus according to claim 19, wherein the computer is at least a part of the information recording apparatus and the reproducing means. A computer program that functions as a computer program.

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